There are treats galore in this week’s NPD Trend Tracker, as brands prepare for the festive season. Those cold winter days and long dark nights will be that little bit brighter, with the indulgent launches from the world of food and beverage.
Read on to find out what’s in store… literally!
Starry twist on a classic
Waitrose has released its festive treat range, with everything from chocolates to desserts. And taking centre stage is this year’s take on the traditional Christmas cake. The fruit cake is hand-decorated with almonds, glacé cherries and stars.
“Our No. 1 Jewelled Gift Cake makes a stunning centrepiece for Christmas tea – or a lovely present for your Christmas hosts,” says a spokesperson for Waitrose.
Available online and in stores
Guilt-free sweet treat
Sweet Freedom is launching its new Choc Shot liquid hot chocolate. Designed to provide a “simple and effective solution to the problem of powdery hot chocolates”, this new syrup is made from apples and carob, contains no refined sugars or artificial ingredients, and works out to 13 calories per teaspoon.
“We understand how frustrating lumpy hot chocolate is, which is why we developed Choc Shot,” says Deborah Pyner, co-founder of Sweet Freedom.
But it’s not just designed for hot chocolates. Choc Shot can also be drizzled over porridge and puddings, and can be used as an alternative to sugar and cocoa, in baking.
Available online and in stores
Bonnie & Pop makes gifting gourmet
Bonnie & Pop has launched its lux gift range for Christmas. Founded by a mother and daughter duo, the range features premium chocolates, cookies, nuts and fruit, in special festive packaging.
The Candy Cane Gift Tin, Sweets and Soldiers Assortment, Musical Holiday Popcorn Carousel, Holiday Jingle and Joy Assortment, Candy Cane Cravings Collection, Treats & Traditions Hanukkah Collection, Tidings of Truffle and Joy, Delicious and Delightful and Dried Fruit Gift Box are available now.
Available online
Colourful cakes for Christmas
With the launch of its new cake range, the Little Dessert Shop is hoping to bring “fun, flavour, and innovation to dessert lovers”.
Founded in 2015, the Little Dessert Shop is rebranding to, “celebrate the spirit of indulgence, creativity, and community”.
“We’ve always been about bringing people together over extraordinary desserts,” says Maz Ali, co-founder of Little Dessert Shop. “Our rebrand reflects the evolution of our brand and showcases the next chapter of innovation that we’re about to embark on.”
The design comes with a refreshed look and the launch of the brand’s new “Pleasure Without Guilt” menu, which includes Sticky Toffee Cakey Dough, Golden Lotus Bananza French Toast and the Endless Temptation Waffle.
Available online and in stores
Colin’s Christmas makeover
Colin the Caterpillar has become somewhat of an institution, with the extremely-chocolatey cake gaining fans far and wide. So it’s not surprising to see Marks & Spencer giving the customer favourite a Christmas makeover.
Donning a red Santa hat in a present-filled sleigh, the brand new festive Colin has 46% more chocolate than the original Colin the Caterpillar cake.
Available online and in stores
